Bachelor's Degree in Church Planting

Make your Ministry Mark with Evangelism!

Ever wonder how a church begins? How a church is planted in new areas, neighborhoods, and cities? How God’s Word reaches distant lands to further His kingdom, building congregations of local churches? If so, your future – your calling – just might be in Church Planting.

Obtain the skills you need to pursue this mission field with the church planting degree program at University of the Cumberlands. Whether you pursue a seminary degree immediately after completing your program or move directly into ministry, your church planting degree will prepare you to take your place in Christian service.

• Mission and Goals
• What is Church Planting?
• What are the Benefits of Church Planting?
• Is a Church Planting degree worth it?
• What can I do with Church Planting Degree?
• Degree Requirements for Church Planting Degree
• More Information on Church Planting Degree

Mission and Goals

The Department of Missions and Ministry at Cumberlands is dedicated to providing the best possible training to students interested in a missions and ministry degree program. Through this Bachelor in Church Planting degree, you will hone your skills and develop strategies for serving Christ in the United States and abroad, all while learning from experienced ministers and accomplished scholars who will guide you as you mature in your Christian faith.

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What is Church Planting?

Typically, church planting happens when members of a local congregation feel called to form a new church in a different area, perhaps in a neighboring city or suburb. Such a movement should only be undertaken after considerable prayer … and planning. That’s where you can make a real difference. While it doesn’t take a theology or evangelism degree to be a part of a church-planting initiative, it can certainly help. A relevant degree program that offers insights into how to plant a church will help ensure every step of the process is biblically based and in synch with God’s Word.  

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What are the Benefits of Church Planting?

There are a number of benefits to planting a church for you, for your local church and for the Kingdom of God. In this way, your existing church may be able to reach and teach more people, offering opportunities for discipleship and the spreading of God’s Word. There is the personal satisfaction of knowing what you’re doing is His will. There’s the encouragement of working in the field with fellow believers. 

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Is a Church Planting degree worth it?

In this case and whenever you prepare yourself for service, the answer is yes! A degree in theology, Christian studies or church planting is “worth it” spiritually, mentally and even materially. These are the Christian degrees and education that can help you pursue any number of career opportunities, from church planting to leading denominational organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2020, religious workers earned $40,000 annually while leaders of religious activities and education were able to earn around $45,000 per year.

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What can I do with Church Planting Degree?

With a church planting degree from a God-honoring university such as the University of the Cumberlands, you can join the ranks of UC graduates around the world who serve in Christian missions and ministry. Take the Gospel to people who have never heard it or stay closer to home, helping the local church as a pastor, youth minister, worship leader, or in some other capacity.

From the local church to organizations as large as Fellowship of Christian Athletes to denominational agencies like the Kentucky Baptist Convention, serving God might take you anywhere. The key is to be ready, perhaps with a relevant Christian degree. Here is a list of careers you can pursue: 

DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES¹

A degree in religion, missions or biblical studies can help you pursue a number of ministry career opportunities, serving God where He sends you, from planting churches and global missions to serving in the local church. For example, a director position in Religious Activities offers a median salary of $46,980 annually with a projected growth rate of 4-5 percent over the next decade.

POSTSECONDARY INSTRUCTOR²

A ministry-related program University of the Cumberlands can also help you pursue a postsecondary teaching position in religious studies, missions or biblical ministry. With a median annual salary of $79,640, employment opportunities as a college professor or instructor are projected to grow 12 percent by 2030.

CAREERS:

• Local Church Pastor
• Youth Pastor
• Collegiate Minister
• International Missionary
• Church Planter
• Director of Religious Activities and Education
• Adult Ministries Director
• Christian Education Director
• Religious Education Coordinator
• Religious Studies Professor
• Ministry Instructor
• Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies

"12 Percent" Projected Growth Rate for Postsecondary Teachers by 2030²

¹Director, Religious Activities and Education
²Postsecondary Teachers

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Degree Requirements for Church Planting Degree

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Church Planting 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH A CHURCH PLANTING MAJOR – 31 SEMESTER HOURS 
 
Core Courses (13 semester hours) 

• MSMN 138     Understanding Cultures or MSMN 239 Exploring World Religions 
• MSMN 234     Interpreting the Bible 
• MSMN 235     Developing Our Spiritual Life 
• MSMN 236     Introducing Christian Theology 
• MSMN 410     Transitioning to Christian Ministry 

Additional Required Courses (12 semester hours) 

• MSMN 137     Introducing Church Planting 
• MSMN 335     Developing Christian Leaders 
• MSMN 437     Planting a High Impact Church 
• MSMN 493     Practicing Ministry Skills 

 
Electives (6 semester hours) – from any other MSMN courses 

Bachelor of Arts in Church Planting 

Completion of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree plus a world language through the intermediate level.

Minor in Church Planting 

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN CHURCH PLANTING – 21 semester hours 
 
Required courses (15 semester hours) 

• MSMN 137     Introducing Church Planting 
• MSMN 138     Understanding Cultures or MSMN 239 Exploring World Religions 
• MSMN 236     Introducing Christian Theology 
• MSMN 335     Developing Christian Leaders 
• MSMN 437     Planting a High Impact Church 

 
Electives (6 semester hours) 
Electives are to be selected from the courses available in the six majors within the Department of Missions and Ministry. Three of the elective hours must be from 300 or 400 level courses. Courses should be selected with the assistance of one of the professors in the Department of Missions and Ministry. 

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More Information on Church Planting Degree

TUITION

Costs for programs of study at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees. 

ACCREDITATION 

Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information. 

Faculty 

Let our experienced ministers and accomplished scholars guide you in the development of the skills you need to minister for Christ in the 21st century. You’ll gain the strategies, tactics, and real-world skills you need to serve in the U.S. and around the world in fields of church planting, evangelism, and discipleship.

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Through your church planting education, you’ll be prepared to follow God's call, wherever it takes you! Let’s talk about our test-optional college admissions process, scholarship opportunities, and more! Fill out the form on this page for more information.